Clutch chatter advice please

[Jon22]

Hello all,

I have posted/asked about this issue in the past but, at the time, I was sure that the problem was wheel hop and not clutch chatter. I am sure now that clutch chatter is the problem.

My setup is a 289 with T-5 trans, spacer plate adapter with 4speed bellhousing and, all of the stock z-bar linkage. If anyone has found a way to fix this problem, I would appreciate the input. I would like to keep the stock linkage if possible but, a cable or hydraulic setup is on my radar as well. I am just ready to be able to start from a dead stop on a hill without the whole car shaking violently! Any advice is appreciated.

Jon

 

[zookeeper]

I'd check external things like the engine mounts (and the trans mount) first. A loose, broken or worn mount will cause chatter, as will weak rear springs. If that's not it, I'd start by pulling the trans, inspect for leaks and having the flywheel surfaced, then replacing the clutch and pressure plate. Not cheap or easy, but that's about all that can cause bad chatter.

 

[PoppyMod]

+1 with Zookeeper.
Dont start throwing money at it like thinking ing of replacing "Z' linkage etc. All you need is a little oily mist to create chatter/slippage. If you pull it, replace the clutch with an organic/Kevlar or full Kevlar, as they (both) are resistant to the affects of oil.
Good Luck!

 

[Jon22]

Thanks for the advice you guys. After looking into things further in the past few days, I am thinking that the stock 65 motor mounts may be my problem. The drivers side mount is in pretty sad shape and the z-bar is at a loose down angle from the frame. I am going to start with new mounts and then make sure that the z-bar is strait and tight.

 

[Randy'65]

The tube portion of my z-bar actually started ripping at the flat bar weld, opening up just enough when I was on the clutch that it would cause some chatter. Got it re-welded and fixed the problem. Check and make sure that nothing looks weird in the entire stroke of the clutch linkage, have someone else press the pedal while you watch.

 

[mustangmutt]

Make sure all the Z bar and clutch release components are in good condition, including the pedal assembly. I recently rebuilt a pedal assembly with a roller bearing kit and it eliminated about 90% of the chatter on a 3 spd, which IMO are prone to chatter. Also, did you replace the pilot bearing when you did the T-5 swap?